Why language matters NADA and NUAA launch drug and alcohol resource

6/04/2018

Image 1

Body Content 1

Language
matters, a new resource from the Network of Alcohol & other Drugs
Agencies (NADA) and the
NSW Users & AIDS Association (NUAA) has been
launched online.

Developed for the non-government
alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector, the resource encourages workers to move
away from out-dated terms like 'drug user' and 'addict' which stigmatise people
who use drugs.

Language is powerful – especially
when discussing AOD and the people who use them. The resource was developed in
consultation with non-government AOD workers and people who use drugs.

Larry Pierce, chief executive of
NADA, says: "We know that fear of stigma and being labelled as a 'drug
addict' can and does stop people from accessing treatment and support. It's
time we start being more mindful and stop using these terms."

NADA is the peak organisation for the
non-government alcohol and other drugs sector in NSW. NUAA is governed, staffed
and led by people with lived experience of drug use.

Mary Ellen Harrod, chief
executive of NUAA, concludes: "The Language matters resource will be
a useful tool. Empowering people by treating them with respect is a powerful
catalyst for change".